Laura teaches Zumba Dance, she has been complaining of aching feet and has a neuroma (an inflammation of the nerves between the 2nd/3rd and 3rd/4th metatarsals). She also has a bunion forming on her right foot (a bump on the base of the big toe joint which causes pain in or around the big toe joint). It has debilitated her completely, keeping her from doing what she loves – teaching Zumba.  After a few extensive sessions of Yoga Tune Up® Therapy Ball and Yoga Tune Up® exercises like the Barbie Doll Foot and toe articulations with inversion and eversion, she is easing back into teaching Zumba again!
Here’s a video demonstration of how easy it is to relieve foot pain with Ball Therapy:
I find rolling the feet with the balls to be a perfect overall tonic. They free up the fascia to prevent and cure painful conditions like plantar facitis,,Ease walking and bring an amazing amount of relaxation and stretch to the metacarpals. Also since the feet are highly innervated it can have an effect on relaxation and pain management in other areas of the body.
Another great reminder and such a simple yet effective YTU exercise you posted. I wish I knew about these balls back in my twenties!– the dancing in the club nights… I would have popped two of these balls in my purse.
Being that our feet are the foundation for the body, utilizing a technique to lend more flexibility and effective, efficient movements of the foot will improve every aspect of our beings—starting from the ground up! Not only can we stave off injuries such as neuromas and bunions, but we can enhance our performance and comfort as well! Happy feet—life is sweet!
Rolling the feet with balls is always a winner! Feels great and I’ve gotten my 84 year old mother to do it as well. She says it feels great too!
Well it is no secret that our feet are under cared for! The way that we walk, stand and carry our body is not always the best for our feet. We hold a lot of tension here because we often neglect the muscles of the feet. If you start to pay attention to the way you stand or walk you will become aware of the uneven distribution of weight that your feet are carrying, The uneven distribution of weight in walking or standing causes uneven use of muscles which in turn can cause painful problems. Rolling out your arches as shown in the video above is a great way to help work out some of the uneven use of muscles or knots. Also remembering our toes as mentioned before. A lot of time we are placing uneccesary stress on our toes by flexing them when it is unnecessary. Try rolling the ball laterally and medially right below the toes to stretch out the adductor hallucis. This is a muscle that is responsible for the movement of your big toe which is usually the toes working too hard out of context. Give it a try!
Another great way to use my new YTU therapy balls! I am mostly barefoot on hard floors in all the work I do and even though I do my best to be balanced on my feet, they hurt often especially after a long day of work. Self-care is so important and it’s nice to have a new tool to try out.
I have plantar fasciitis in my right foot and I’ve been looking for a less invasive way to alleviate the shooting pain going through my heel. I’m definitely going to try this out. Thank you for the info.